www.birminghamjazzfestival.com HEADING Photo by Merlin Daleman
WWW.BIRMINGHAMJAZZFESTIVAL.COM @BIRMJAZZFEST #BSWJAZZ21 [email protected] BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL HOTLINE: 0121 454 7020 @BIRMINGHAMJAZZFESTIVAL 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2019 2 FOREWORD www.birminghamjazzfestival.com FOREWORD
With grateful thanks to the Festival’s Sponsors and supporters Back for its 37th year, the Birmingham, Sandwell & Westside without whom there would be no Festival. Jazz Festival is one of the undoubted highlights of the West Midlands cultural calendar.
The festival, which has provided the soundtrack to our summers since the 1980s, is a celebration of live music. And let's face it, we've all missed the shared pleasure of live performances over the last 16 months.
With almost 130 performances, this year's event offers a timely boost to our visitor economy and previous festivals have attracted audiences of over 75,000, generating almost £5 million for the regional economy.
That success is thanks to the brilliant efforts of the festival organisers and the amazing support of sponsors.
Many of us look forward to this festival every year and I'm sure we won't be disappointed as the 2021 Birmingham, Sandwell & Westside Jazz Festival proves once again that there's nothing quite like top class live music.
Enjoy.
I’m delighted that once again we are welcoming the Cllr Ian Ward Birmingham, Sandwell & Westside Jazz Festival to the Leader of Birmingham City Council borough’s venues. And I’m proud that Sandwell is supporting this unique event that once again will bring some of the brightest names in jazz from across the world to our region. Birmingham in all respects is a fabulous place in which to work, live and play. The Jazz Festival which has been a staple The diversity of the music on this year’s programme mirrors for over 30 years now is truly a valuable ingredient in the the diversity of our people and our communities, and like buoyancy of Brum. After over a year in which entertainment, the great jazz musicians we’ll be seeing and hearing in like so much else, has been drastically cut back, the Festival July, we in Sandwell work in harmony together to create returns to its rightful place in the city’s calendar. Therefore I’m something bigger and brighter than the sum of our parts. so pleased that the Westside Business Improvement District (BID) offers it the support that makes this possible. Of course, this year’s festival – the 37th - will be very different to previous years’. And as we hopefully ease the restrictions we’ve all followed to fight the pandemic, it’s important to By any measure the entertainment capital of the English keep to the rules that are in place to keep ourselves, our communities and the festival safe. Midlands is Westside. We play host to a comprehensive range of music and have so, so much in Westside to offer the world. Councillor Rajbir Singh Leader of Sandwell Council It’s therefore with great delight that I welcome the Jazz Festival, for Westside is the beating heart of the Festival. Our stylish venues offer so much quality Jazz it is really a very special Regular Festival goers will be surprised that this year's Birmingham, Sandwell and time in the calendar of Westside. Westside Jazz Festival runs for 17 days, not 10, with the weeknights of the extra week from July 26th containing far fewer events than usual. A word of explanation: originally Look forward to seeing you. the Festival was to run from July 16th to 25th, with the expectation that freedom from COVID restrictions would operate from June 21st. When that date was moved to July Dipesh Mistry 19th, several venues expressed a preference for postponing events to the weekend of Chair of Westside Business Improvement District July 30th-August 1st. Hence the lop-sided programme - and an extra week of jazz!
2 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 3 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS www.birminghamjazzfestival.com
The Jazz Festival Would Like To Thank Our Core Sponsors Birmingham City Council, Westside BID and Sandwell MBC THE JAZZ FESTIVAL BOARD Without their support the festival really would not happen.
Festival Patron: Digby Fairweather Find us on social media Festival Board: Barry Clark, Dan Cole, David Pardoe, Derek Inman, Gary Newbon, Gerald Manton, Jill Hitchman, facebook.com/birminghamjazzfestival John Hemming, John Patrick, Rob Sealey @birmjazzfest and #BSWJAZZ21 Festival Director: Jim Simpson Commercial and Development Director: Tim Jennings Birminghamjazzfest Business and Marketing Manager: Yue Yang Barry Clark Dan Cole David Pardoe Derek Inman Gary Newbon Development Manager: Charlie Moore Planning and Co-ordination: Alexandra Mason, Olivia ANNOUNCEMENT Mu, Lu Zhang, Megan Symonds DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Programme Editor: Ron Simpson 38th BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL Photographers: Karl Newton, Kev Maslin AND WESTSIDE FESTIVAL Film Unit: Greg & Margaret Gdowski JULY 15th to 24th, 2022 (www.fiftysevenstudio.com) Programme & Publicity Design: Nerys James ([email protected]) Performances are Transport Manager: Kieron Burns free unless denoted Technical Managers: Errol Taylor, Dave Spittle, Barry Clark otherwise. In restaurant Gerald Manton Jill Hitchman John Hemming John Patrick Rob Sealey Operations: Dave Twist, Manyee Yiu, Marianne Helliwell, Stan Lewis, performances accepted Jingru Geng, Meiling Zhong, Rachel Hu, Ruping Xia, Shiran Wang, Hui etiquette may apply in Wei, Yifan Shi, Yilin Yue terms of purchasing food. Artists Booking: Big Bear Music Agency 0121 454 7020 admin@ bigbearmusic.com PA & Backline: Fair Deal Music Mobile Communications: OS Communications 0121 622 5555 It Support: ITContact (www.itcontact.co.uk) Accountants: David Cutter & Co (www.davidcutter.co.uk) Website: Rob Sealey (www.grtmedia.net) Chinese Marketing: Shuai Yuan, Zhengzhen Dai, Zhirong Yu Special Thanks To: Abbey Butler, Alex Howell, Alex Powell, Alison Hyatt, Amanda Prosser-Davies, Amy Hubbard, Amy Seton, Andrea McGee, Andrew Wade, Barry Bayliss, Ben Benson, Ben Weatherill, Carl Thompson, Carla Scaroni, Chris Ash, Chris Horst, Claire Knapton, Cllr Carl Rice, Cllr Ian Ward, Dani Collins, David Pardoe, Dawn Winter, Denise Sandford, Emma Creasey, Frank Caldwell, Garry Chapman, Graham Young, Harpreet Sian, Harry Higgs, Holly Ryland-Jones, Jackie Hawkins, Jacqueline Ward, James Wheeler, Jane Phillips, Jenny Wilkes, Jess Jin, Jo Kinsella, John Lamb, Jon Guard, Jules Raikes, Karen Bates, Katy Paddock, Kerrie Barber, Kim Hill, Leon Shutkever, Lisa Hill, Lisa Kimpton, Mari-Liis Pellmas, Maryam Snape, Maureen Cordes, Mi Lan, Mike Bushell, Mike Olley, Narinder Singh, Nick Hart, Nicki Gibberson, Nigel Barker, Nikki Morris, Paul Cutter, Paul Faulkner, Paula Borkowska, Paulo Jascinto, Rebecca Butler, Richard Wyatt, Sarah Dodds, Sarah Garner, Sarah Phillips, Sian Bradley, Simon Hartland, Simon Willetts, Stacey Muir, Stefan Reidy, Stephen Brown, Vicki Wilkes
BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL P.O. Box 944, Edgbaston, Birmingham B16 8UT www.birminghamjazzfestival.com Phone 0121 454 7020 Email: [email protected]
4 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 5 CALENDAR www.birminghamjazzfestival.com CALENDAR
FRIDAY 16TH JULY 14:30 14:00 TUESDAY 20TH JULY 17:00 12:30 Merry Hill Mell Square, Solihull 12:30 Bournville Gardens NEVER SEEN AGAIN The Square CHRIS BOWDEN QUARTET THE CATFISH KINGS Victoria Square Bandstand CHASE JAZZMEN (£3.00) BOOK SIGNING JAKE LEG JUG BAND SAM KENNEDY BAND Paul Finch talks about his 14:30 14:30 17:30 latest book, Never Seen 13:00 Boston Tea Party, Solihull Masons Arms, Solihull 12:30 Victoria Square Bandstand Again.... Theatre Square, Solihull SUZI WOODS THE WHISKEY BROTHERS Henry's Blueshouse ROY FORBES QUARTET BROOKS WILLIAMS at The Bulls Head 15:00 16:00 19:30 When heiress Jodie JAMES OLIVER BAND Martindale is kidnapped 14:00 Theatre Square, Solihull Mell Square, Solihull Wednesbury Library and a staggering ransom Mell Square, Solihull FOREGATE STREET BLUES BAND RICKY COOL AND 14:00 BILLY THOMPSON TRIO demanded, amoral ABI K & THE SWING PIGS THE IN CROWD Arcadian (Live stream) journalist David Kelman 16:00 STRICTLY Free admission by forces himself into the 15:00 Mell Square, Solihull 17:00 JITTERBUG WORKSHOP advance tickets only Sunrise of Edgbaston CERI JUSTICE AND THE JURY Tap & Tandoor, Solihull investigation, unwittingly DIGBY FAIRWEATHER AND SHEILA WATERFIELD 16:00 19:30 giving away vital police BACKYARD MUSIC BOYS 18:00 Henry's Blueshouse The Rhodehouse intelligence. Subsequently, Mell Square, Solihull 17:30 at The Bulls Head LA BOUCHE MANOUCHE the hostage is never 18:00 TIPITINA Greens, Solihull CIGAR BOX GUITAR WORKSHOP returned and the Taste Collective, Solihull DEBORAH ROSE & kidnappers vanish, leaving 18:00 WITH CHICKENBONE JOHN THURSDAY 22ND JULY LEE JONES & TOM HILL MARTIN RILEY 12:30 a family destroyed and Duke Inn, Sutton Coldfield 17:30 Mailbox Kelman disgraced. ALAN BARNES QUARTET 18:00 19:30 Victoria Square Bandstand JAKE LEG JUG BAND Blackheath Library The Beech House, Solihull 19:30 18:00 DIGBY FAIRWEATHER WITH BROOKS WILLIAMS THE CATFISH KINGS 12:30 Red By Night, Merry Hill Lightwoods House Gardens EUREKA JAZZ BAND Live Stream (no public admission) Victoria Square Bandstand BIG JIM & THE ALABAMA MEET THE AUTHOR showing simultaneously at The MONDAY 19TH JULY 19:00 BILLY THOMPSON TRIO BOOGIE BOYS Bulls Head and online DIGBY FAIRWEATHER 12:30 Henry's Blueshouse talks about his book Ace of Clubs: Mailbox at The Bulls Head 17:30 19:30 Grain and Glass 20:00 A Celebration of the 100 Club THE SHUFFLEPACK BLUES TALKIN' WITH Victoria Square Bandstand Paramo Lounge, Solihull LUCY PIPER CHRIS BOWDEN QUARTET JUDY BLU & ASHLEY ALLEN SUZI WOODS 19:00 12:30 Lightwoods House Gardens Victoria Square Bandstand 20:00 18:00 21:15 21:00 DIGBY FAIRWEATHER AND MARTIN LITTON & JANICE DAY Henry's Blueshouse Village, Moseley The Night Owl Veeru's Bar & Grill, BACKYARD MUSIC BOYS at The Bulls Head THE QUIET MEN CHICKENBONE JOHN & Sutton Coldfield 17:30 SAM KENNEDY BAND TONY STOKES ROY FORBES SUNDAY 18TH JULY Victoria Square Bandstand 18:00 14:00 THE SHUFFLEPACK 20:00 Brewhouse & Kitchen, FRIDAY 23RD JULY SATURDAY 17TH JULY Hop Garden Three Tuns, Sutton Coldfield Sutton Coldfield 12:00 12:00 CHICKENBONE JOHN & 18:00 THE LOST NOTES BILLY THOMPSON TRIO Central Square, Brindleyplace The Bulls Head HARMONICA DAVE Tapri Bar and Grill, SIMON SPILLETT QUARTET SKETCHERS MEET-UP Sutton Coldfield WEDNESDAY 21ST JULY 19:00 14:00 MARTIN LITTON & JANICE DAY 12:30 Hilton Garden Inn 12:30 12:30 Botanical Gardens Mailbox JAKE LEG JUG BAND Victoria Square Bandstand 20:00 Mailbox JOHN HEMMING & THE BILLY THOMPSON TRIO OLD BABY MACKEREL ALAN BARNES QUARTET JAZZ LOBBYISTS (ADULTS The Bulls Head 19:00 £6.75, CONCESSIONS £4.72) BLUES ON FILM 12:30 Old Crown 12:30 Victoria Square Bandstand THE WHISKEY BROTHERS The Square LA BOUCHE MANOUCHE BOPERATOR BOOGIE BAND 6 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 7 www.birminghamjazzfestival.com CALENDAR
17:00 12:00 18:00 Brasshouse Caffe Nero, Brindleyplace Simpsons Gin Bar, SIMON SPILLETT QUARTET STRICTLY JITTERBUG Sutton Coldfield SWING CAFÉ 17:00 13:00 Velvet Music Rooms Birmingham Rag 18:00 BOPERATOR BOOGIE BAND Market Ibis Birmingham, BIG BOSS MAN New Street Station 17:30 SPATS LANGHAM HOT FINGERS Victoria Square Bandstand 14:00 SHEILA WATERFIELD QUARTET Birmingham Markets 19:00 Customer Centre Cosy Club, Brindleyplace 18:00 CHRIS BOWDEN QUARTET MARTIN LITTON & JANICE DAY Quinto Lounge, Sutton Coldfield THE NITECRAWLERS 14:00 19:30 Waters Edge Bandstand, The Bulls Head 18:30 Brindleyplace ALEX CLARKE QUARTET Pannel Croft Village SPATS LANGHAM'S JAKE LEG JUG BAND (£5 /£2) HOT FINGERS 19:30 West Bromwich Central Library 19:30 14:00 LA BOUCHE MANOUCHE Ibis Birmingham New Street Arcadian Live stream Station JAMES OLIVER BAND Free admission by EAGLE JAZZ BAND advance tickets only 14:00 19:30 Hagley Road Village 20:00 Thimblemill Library ALEX CLARKE QUARTET Palace Drum Clinic, ROY FORBES QUARTET Kingfisher Shopping Centre Live Stream (no public admission) 14:00 BRUCE ADAMS QUARTET showing simultaneously at The Bromwich Hall, £6 +booking fee, £8 OTD Bulls Head and online Manor House Museum LA BOUCHE MANOUCHE 20:00 19:30 The Wellington Palace Drum Clinic, 14:30 FOREGATE STREET BLUES BAND Kingfisher Shopping Centre Longbridge Village ALEX CLARKE QUARTET MARTIN LITTON & SUNDAY 25TH JULY £6 in advance + booking fee, JANICE DAY (£3.00) 12.00 £8 OTD Resorts World 14:30 ROY FORBES 20:00 Merry Hill Village, Moseley THE NITECRAWLERS 13:00 OLD BABY MACKEREL Hilton Garden Inn 15:00 SHEILA WATERFIELD SATURDAY 24TH JULY Brasshouse 11:00 BRUCE ADAMS QUARTET 14.00 Birmingham Markets Resorts World 17:00 Customer Centre SWING CAFÉ Dog & Doublet Inn, Bodymoor Heath EUREKA JAZZ BAND DAVID MOORE BLUES BAND
8 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 9 www.birminghamjazzfestival.com CALENDAR
14:00 MONDAY 26TH JULY 17:00 Haden Hill House 19:00 Brasshouse DAVID MOORE BLUES BAND Henry's Blueshouse EMMA JONSON BAND at The Bulls Head 14:00 BLUES ON FILM 17:00 Hop Garden Velvet Music Rooms THE LOST NOTES BLUESDAY 27TH JULY BRUCE ADAMS QUARTET 14:00 14:00 21:00 Botanical Gardens Henry's Blueshouse O'Neill's, Solihull at The Bulls Head EUREKA JAZZ BAND (ADULTS BIG BOSS MAN £6.75, CONCESSIONS £4.72) MEET THE AUTHOR: JIM AND RON SIMPSON SATURDAY 31ST JULY 14:00 15:00 11:00 Oak House Museum BULLETS AND BENDS Birmingham Markets THE SHUFFLEPACK Illustrated History of The Blues Customer Centre Harmonica by Stuart Maxwell BACKYARD MUSIC BOYS 14:00 17:00 Brasshouse MAXWELL & WHITE 13:00 MEET THE AUTHOR: PAUL FINCH 19:00 Birmingham Rag Market BLUES TALKIN’ CHICKENBONE JOHN & 14:30 Stuart Maxwell Talks Blues HARMONICA DAVE Red By Night, Merry Hill with Joe Nethercoat PHIL SAYER AND TASH 20:00 BUXTON-LEWIS THE SHUFFLEPACK 15:00 BOOK SIGNINGS: Flute & Flagon, Solihull THURSDAY 29TH JULY 19:00 DIGBY JOHN HEMMING & THE Legacy Centre of Excellence, FAIRWEATHER AND JAZZ LOBBYISTS Newtown JIM SIMPSON 15:00 XHOSA COLE PRESENTS Under the auspices of The Brasshouse – SOWETO KINCH AND Jazz Centre UK, which he ART THEMEN QUARTET DESCHANEL GORDON & THE founded, Digby Fairweather HOUSE BAND(£15.00) has edited, and contributed 16:00 freely to, Ace of Clubs, The Station, Sutton Coldfield 19:00 an informative, copiously ALEX CLARKE QUARTET Broomfield Hall,Solihull illustrated, always SWING CAFÉ illuminating and sometimes 16.00 hilarious history of London’s Resorts World FRIDAY 30TH JULY 100 Club. BIG BOSS MAN 12:30 The Square Meanwhile Festival 18:00 BRUCE ADAMS QUARTET Director Jim Simpson is O'Neills, Broad Street re-launching his memoir THE SHUFFLEPACK 16:00 of 60 years in the music Brasshouse business, Don’t Worry 20:30 LEE BENSON INTRODUCES THE ‘bout the Bear, written with Velvet Music Rooms NEW STREET AUTHORS his brother Ron. ART THEMEN QUARTET 10 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 11 www.birminghamjazzfestival.com CALENDAR
14:00 Birmingham Markets MUSICIANS UNION Customer Centre ‘An organisation that can help its members CHASE JAZZMEN throughout their professional careers and beyond.’
14:00 As always the Festival is extremely grateful for the The Arcadian support, financial and otherwise, of the Musicians FLORENCE JOELLE Union, especially at this difficult time for musicians, event organisers and the union itself. 15:00 Brasshouse 15:00 18:00 TIPITINA Velvet Music Rooms O’ Neills, Broad Street YOU’RE NEVER ALONE THE OLD JELLY ROLLERS 17:00 WITH A UKE Dog & Doublet Inn, 18:00 Bodymoor Heath 15:00 Slug and Lettuce, Sutton Coldfield NITECRAWLERS Yates, Solihull BOPERATOR BOOGIE BAND FOREGATE STREET BLUES BAND 19:00 20:30 Cosy Club 16:00 Velvet Music Rooms FLORENCE JOELLE Night Owl BIG JIM & THE ALABAMA TIPITINA BOOGIE BOYS 20:00 The Wellington CHICKENBONE JOHN & HARMONICA DAVE WEST MIDS BIDS NEW STREET The Birmingham, Sandwell AUTHORS SUNDAY 1ST AUGUST and Westside Jazz Festival Launched in 2015, 12:00 is extremely grateful to no New Street Authors has Caffe Nero, Brindleyplace fewer than four Business established itself as a YOU’RE NEVER ALONE Improvement Districts major player in the West WITH A UKE which have supported Midlands publishing scene the Festival this year. 14:00 providing readings and workshops throughout Birmingham Botanical Gardens So our thanks go to the THE OLD JELLY ROLLERS the region as well as following BIDs: reading events and 15:00 launches in Birmingham. Brasshouse Colmore Author, piano player, BIG JIM & THE ALABAMA Business District painter and photographer BOOGIE BOYS Solihull Lee Benson will talk Sutton Coldfield about the independent publishers group. Westside
LIVE STREAMS To watch our 100% live streams advertised here in the programme, check in on www.birminghamjazzfestival.com/streams on the day of the performance.
12 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 13 VENUES www.birminghamjazzfestival.com VENUES
ARCADIAN FLUTE AND FLAGON, SOLIHULL O'NEILLS THIMBLEMILL LIBRARY VILLAGE, MOSELEY WELLINGTON 70 Hurst St B5 4TD 28-30 Station Parade B91 3SB Broad St B1 2HG Thimblemill Road, Smethwick B67 5RJ 179 Alcester Road B13 8JR 37 Bennetts Hill B2 5SN 0121 622 5348 0121 711 3630 0121 616 1623 0121 569 4943 0121 449 7664 0121 200 3115 BEECH HOUSE, SOLIHULL GRAIN AND GLASS O'NEILLS, SOLIHULL THREE TUNS, SUTTON COLDFIELD WATERS EDGE BANDSTAND WEST BROMWICH CENTRAL LIBRARY 727 Warwick Rd B91 3DA 75-80 Vyse St, Jewellery Quarter B18 6HA 2 Poplar Road, B91 3AB 19 High Street B72 1XS Brindleyplace B1 2HL 316 High St B70 8DZ 0121 272 7730 0121 551 5942 0121 711 3761 0121 355 2996 0121 643 6866 0121 569 4904 BIRMINGHAM RAG MARKET GREENS, SOLIHULL PALACE DRUM CLINIC, VEERU'S, SUTTON COLDFIELD WEDNESBURY LIBRARY YATES, SOLIHULL 50 Edgbaston St B5 4RB Mell Square, B91 3AY Kingfisher Shopping Centre, Manor Road B73 6EJ Walsall Street WS10 9EH 21 Poplar Road B91 3AD 0121 303 0208 0121 716 3222 Redditch B97 4HA 07305 191006 0121 569 4945 0121 7965213 07973 840635 BIRMINGHAM MARKETS HADEN HILL HOUSE VELVET MUSIC ROOMS CUSTOMER CENTRE Halesowen Rd, Old Hill B64 7JU PANNEL CROFT VILLAGE 200 Broad Street B15 1SU 50 Edgbaston St B5 4RB 01384 569444 290 Hospital Street, Newtown B19 2XU 0121 248 0500 0121 303 0208 0121 503 1000 HAGLEY ROAD VILLAGE VICTORIA SQUARE BANDSTAND In the case of outdoor performances alterative indoor BLACKHEATH LIBRARY 322-336 Hagley Rd, Edgbaston B17 8BH PARAMO LOUNGE, SOLIHULL Birmingham B1 1BB venues will be arranged in the event of inclement weather. 145 High St, Rowley Regis B65 0EA 0121 420 6000 40 High Street B91 3TB 0121 227 4114 0121 569 4920 0121 709 4467 For up-to-date information on the day, phone the festival HILTON GARDEN INN 1 Brunswick Square, office on0121 454 7020. BOSTON TEA PARTY, SOLIHULL QUINTO LOUNGE, SUTTON COLDFIELD Herbert Rd B91 3QE Brindleyplace B1 2HW 23 Birmingham Rd B72 1QA 0121 820 0104 0121 643 1003 0121 354 6486
BOTANICAL GARDENS HOP GARDEN RED BY NIGHT, MERRY HILL Westbourne Road B15 3TR 19 Metchley Ln, Harborne, Waterfront East DY5 1XG FESTIVAL SHOP 0121 454 1860 Birmingham B17 0HT 01384 70443 You can help support the Festival at the same time as getting yourself some excellent 0121 427 7904 RESORTS WORLD merchandise at reasonable cost by visiting our online store. There are CDs and LPs BOURNVILLE GARDENS Pendigo Way, Marston Green 49 Bristol Road South B31 2FR IBIS BIRMINGHAM, from current and previous Festival bands, T-shirts featuring jazz and blues legends, Jim 0121 227 9150 Arcadian,21 Ladywell Walk, 0121 273 1000 Birmingham B5 4ST Simpson’s musical memoir and subscriptions to the best read in British jazz, The Jazz Rag. BRASSHOUSE 0121 622 6010 RHODEHOUSE, SUTTON COLDFIELD 44 Broad Street B1 2HP The Parade B72 1PU 07825 070 402 0121 633 3383 LEGACY CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE Just visit www.birminghamjazzfestival.com/shop 144 Potters Lane B6 4UU THE BULLS HEAD 07490 263014 SIMPSONS GIN BAR, 38 Bishopgate Street B15 1EJ SUTTON COLDFIELD 0121 439 4190 LIGHTWOODS HOUSE GARDENS 7A High Street B72 1XH Bearwood B67 5DP 0121 354 4474 New publication from Brewin Books BREWHOUSE & KITCHEN, 0121 569 4141 SUTTON COLDFIELD SLUG & LETTUCE, SUTTON COLDFIELD 8 Birmingham Rd B72 1QD LONGBRIDGE VILLAGE 11-19 Birmingham Road B72 1QA 0121 796 6838 Austin Way, B31 2FZ 0121 321 2704 DON’T WORRY ‘BOUT THE BEAR 0121 272 4000 BROMWICH HALL, STATION, SUTTON COLDFIELD From the blues to jazz, rock & roll and Black Sabbath MANOR HOUSE MUSEUM MAILBOX 44 Station St B73 6AT Hall Green Rd, West Bromwich B71 2EA 7 Commercial Street B1 1RS 0121 362 4961 0121 588 2985 0121 632 1000 By Jim Simpson with Ron Simpson with a foreword by Jasper Carrott SUNRISE OF EDGBASTON BROOMFIELD HALL MASONS ARMS, SOLIHULL 5 Church Rd, Birmingham B15 3SH 18 Union Road, Solihull B91 3DH 173 High Street B91 3ST 0121 468 0648 0121 705 0742 0121 709 1352 TAP AND TANDOOR, SOLIHULL RRP £17.95 AVAILABLE FROM ALL CAFFE NERO MELL SQUARE SOLIHULL 678 Warwick Road, B91 3DX Brindleyplace B1 2JB Drury Lane, B91 3BG 0121 711 1116 GOOD BOOKSELLERS, AT SELECTED 0121 643 4572 0121 704 3941 TAPRI BAR AND GRILL, FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES AND CENTRAL SQUARE MERRY HILL SUTTON COLDFIELD Brindleyplace B1 2HL Brierley Hill DY5 1QX 1-3 Manor Road, B73 6EJ FROM BIG BEAR MUSIC 0121 643 6866 01384 48 79 60 0121 827 5678 COSY CLUB NIGHT OWL TASTE COLLECTIVE SOLIHULL Brindleyplace Birmingham B1 2HL 17-18 Lower Trinity Street, Mell Square B91 3AY 0121 546 0438 Digbeth B9 4AG 0121 725 8809 Order your copy from 07468 450685 DOG & DOUBLET INN, THEATRE SQUARE, SOLIHULL www.bigbearmusic.com SUTTON COLDFIELD OAK HOUSE MUSEUM B91 3RG Dog Ln, Bodymoor Heath, B76 9JD Oak Road, West Bromwich B70 8HJ 0121 704 6000 0121 454 7020 01827 872374 0121 553 0759 THE SQUARE DUKE INN, SUTTON COLDFIELD OLD CROWN 2 The Priory, Queensway B4 7LJ 12 Duke St B72 1RJ 188 High St, Digbeth B12 0LD 0121 236 5303 07946 655363 0121 248 1368
14 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 15 Now Available On Big Bear Records JAZZ FESTIVAL 16TH JUL-1ST AUG 2021 MONDAY 19TH JULY 20:00 The Bulls Head BLUES ON FILM
TUESDAY 20TH JULY 16:30 Henry’s Blueshouse at The Bulls Head CIGARBOX ROADSHOW WITH CHICKENBONE JOHN 19:00 Henry’s Blueshouse at The Bulls Head BLUES TALKIN’ WITH LUCY PIPER 20:00 Henry’s Blueshouse at The Bulls Head SAM KENNEDY BAND
THURSDAY 22ND JULY 19:00 Hilton Garden Inn JAKE LEG JUG BAND FRIDAY 23RD JULY 12:00 Central Square, Brindleyplace SIMON SPILLETT QUARTET The Jim Dandies Howard McCrary Lady Sings The Blues 17:00 Brasshouse SIMON SPILLETT QUARTET The Hottest Girl In Town Moments Like This Laughing At Life 17:00 Velvet Music Rooms BOPERATOR BOOGIE BAND The Jim Dandies specialise in “Top class rhythm and blues Six top British jazz musicians lowdown jazz, hokum and pre-war performed with verve and charm” and the remarkable Val Wiseman SATURDAY 24TH JULY bawdy Blues. November release. – Just Jazz interpret the Billie Holiday repertoire 12:00 Caffe Nero, Brindleyplace STRICTLY JITTERBUG 14:00 Water’s Edge Bandstand, Brindleyplace SPATS LANGHAM’S HOT FINGERS 15:00 Brasshouse BRUCE ADAMS QUARTET 19:00 Cosy Club, Brindleyplace MARTIN LITTON & JANICE DAY 19:30 The Bulls Head ALEX CLARKE QUARTET
SUNDAY 25TH JULY 13:00 Brasshouse MEET THE AUTHOR: PAUL FINCH – WRITER OF THE DC LUCY CLAYBURN CRIME NOVELS 13:00 Hilton Garden Inn SHEILA WATERFIELD JAZZ CITY UK VOLUME 2: THE JAM SESSIONS 15:00 Brasshouse ART THEMEN QUARTET 18:00 O’Neills THE SHUFFLEPACK 20:30 Velvet Music Rooms ART THEMEN QUARTET
Bruce Adams / Alan Barnes Jazz City UK Volume 2: Jazz City UK Volume 1 MONDAY 26TH JULY Let’s Face The Music The Jam Sessions Featuring several firm favourites 19:00 The Bulls Head BLUES ON FILM World-class Bebop with Two legendary Birmingham from Birmingham Jazz Festival over all-star quintet. sessions featuring 21 of the finest the years TUESDAY 27TH JULY British Jazz Musicians 14:00 Henry’s Blueshouse at The Bulls Head MEET THE AUTHORS: JIM AND RON SIMPSON – DON’T WORRY ‘BOUT THE BEAR 15:00 Henry’s Blueshouse at The Bulls Head BULLETS & BENDS. THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE BLUES HARMONICA WITH STUART MAXWELL 17:00 Henry’s Blueshouse at The Bulls Head MAXWELL & WHITE 19:00 Henry’s Blueshouse at The Bulls Head BLUES TALKIN’: STUART MAXWELL TALKS THE BLUES WITH JOE NETHERCOAT 20:00 Henry’s Blueshouse at The Bulls Head THE SHUFFLEPACK
FRIDAY 30TH JULY 16:00 Brasshouse LEE BENSON INTRODUCES THE NEW STREET AUTHORS 17:00 Brasshouse EMMA JONSON BAND 17:00 Velvet Music Rooms BRUCE ADAMS QUARTET King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys Tipitina Bruce Adams Quartet Live At Last Taking Care of Business One Foot In The Gutter SATURDAY 31ST JULY Red hot jump and jive from the Dr John, Professor Longhair, Randy The sensational trumpet star’s 15:00 Brasshouse TIPITINA kings of swing Newman et al, delivered by the first release – a stunning 19:00 Cosy Club FLORENCE JOELLE tremendous Tipitina mainstream jazz album SUNDAY 1ST AUGUST 15:00 Velvet Music Rooms YOU’RE NEVER ALONE WITH A UKE CDs £10 each including P&P or any three for £20 15:00 Brasshouse BIG JIM & THE ALABAMA BOOGIE BOYS Along with a great range of jazz and blues T-shirts, books and LPs from our virtual merchandise stand 18:00 O’Neills THE OLD JELLY ROLLERS To order, phone 0121 454 7020 or visit www.birminghamjazzfestival.com/shop 20:30 Velvet Music Rooms BIG JIM & THE ALABAMA BOOGIE BOYS (use code JF20 to claim 3 for 2 offer)
16 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 17 SUTTON COLDFIELD WELCOMES 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL JULY 16TH TO AUGUST 1ST 2021
Friday 16th July Veeru’s Bar & Grill ROY FORBES 21:00
Saturday 17th July Duke Inn ALAN BARNES QUARTET 18:00
Monday 19th July Tapri Bar & Grill MARTIN LITTON AND JANICE DAY 18:00
Tuesday 20th July Three Tuns THE LOST NOTES 20:00
Wednesday 21st July Rhodehouse LA BOUCHE MANOUCHE 19:30
Thursday 22nd July Brewhouse & Kitchen BILLY THOMPSON TRIO 18:00
Friday 23rd July Quinto THE NITECRAWLERS 18:00
Saturday 24th July Simpson’s Gin Bar SWING CAFE 18:00
Sunday 25th July Station ALEX CLARKE QUARTET 16:00
Sunday 1st August Slug & Lettuce BOPERATOR BOOGIE BAND 18:00
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ALEX CLARKE AUDIENCE SURVEYS As a finalist in the BBC KEEP INFORMED We are always grateful for the response of festival- Send you email address to [email protected] to go on the free e-bulletin list. Young Jazz Musician of the goers to volunteers bringing round surveys for them Year 2020, and winner of the to complete. For a mostly free festival it is essential confined him to a handful the televised stages of the Rising Star category in the BIG JIM AND THE to raise funds from elsewhere and impressive survey of Zoom gigs, one with Jon BBC Young Jazz Musician 2019 British Jazz Awards, ALABAMA BOOGIE BOYS results are a key factor in this process. However, as Etheridge at the 606 Club. of the Year in both 1996 and Alex Clarke is known to be Fronted by Big Jim Merris we go to print, we cannot be sure that the normal 1998. He worked regularly one of the most in-demand of the Red Lemons Blues amount of one-to-one contact will be permissible or THE BACKYARD with Barbara Thompson’s and versatile young reeds MUSIC BOYS Band, the Alabama Boogie even comfortable for audiences and volunteers alike. Boys have become audience Paraphernalia (no fewer than players emerging on the Led by Matt Palmer, the five albums) and also played British jazz scene. Praised Backyard Music Boys are favourites at Henry’s Therefore we hope that festival-goers will respond by Blueshouse, both at the Bulls with such big names as Mike going to www.birminghamjazzfestival.com/survey for her extensive repertoire a four-piece acoustic band Westbrook, Jools Holland list and intelligent ear for lining up with clarinet, trumpet, Head and in the Botanical Gardens. Their mix of blues, and Huw Warren. Endlessly Abi’s most recent single Just harmony, she brings a sousaphone and banjo and 100 CLUB CELEBRATED boogie and rock and roll is a versatile, in recent years Say Yes, was released on youthful, intuitive approach guaranteed to provide the Digby Fairweather’s new guaranteed crowd-pleaser. he has worked most often book, Ace of Clubs, tells the 20th April 2020 (available which sounds authentic in excitement and verve of with his gypsy jazz group. story of London’s 100 Club on numerous music a variety of musical settings 1920s and 1930s hot jazz. BIRMINGHAM URBAN platforms), followed by the from New Orleans to bebop. BOPERATOR in the words of those who SKETCHERS EP Let’s Begin. This release Alex’s deep respect for the BIG BOSS MAN This light-hearted Facebook BOOGIE BAND were there, musicians for the This mandolin/guitar duo demonstrates music and heritage of the music can be group is made up of Originally a 40s jump jive most part. In telling the story features two of the area's vocals with more grit and heard in a swinging, melodic 602 members who just and 50s rhythm and blues of almost 80 years of Oxford most highly regarded blues sensuality than her previous approach reminiscent like to capture all things outfit called Boperator, the Street’s legendary club Digby players: Richard Heath jazz and blues-influenced of Scott Hamilton and Birmingham and the Jazz band revamped itself in draws on the memories of from Festival favourites self-titled EP, released in 2016. Lester Young, with strong Festival is a perfect event 2013, with a more colourful such departed notables The Whiskey Brothers as George Melly, Lennie influences of Phil Woods for us. All sketches are done line-up and repertoire. Now and Stuart Johnson, once Hastings, Campbell Burnap ALAN BARNES and Cannonball Adderley. from life, not photographs, a seven-piece aiming to No Birmingham Jazz Festival of Tea and Symphony. and Jim Godbolt as well as and Sketchcrawls are please anyone with a soft would be complete without ART THEMEN many of the current stars of organised where a spot for hard boogie, the the outstanding clarinettist/ During the lockdown Art the British jazz scene: Art number of people come Boperator Boogie Band saxophonist/composer/ has kept busy, with two All information about Themen, Alan Barnes, Bruce together to record a visit covers tunes from an eclectic arranger Alan Barnes. recordings, one with Dave events, musicians and Adams and the rest. Digby or event. Individuals also mix of artists. Ray Charles, His career since leaving Green, Dave Barry and venue is correct at the will have plenty of stories happily sketch and send Louis Jordan and Prima, Humphrey Lyttelton’s Band Gareth Williams, the other time of going to print. The of his own to tell at book in their work to share. Asleep at the Wheel, Caro has taken in playing with with Pete Whitaker and Birmingham, Sandwell Emerald and many more. signings during the Festival. and Westside Jazz many of the top American George Double –Thane and We love to sketch anything: Festival is not responsible Ace of Clubs is published by jazzmen, collecting over the Villeins. This resulted in music gigs ,chickens, trains, BROOKS WILLIAMS for any necessary Brewin Books with the aid 30 British Jazz Awards in two BBC radio broadcasts buildings, cranes and just Born in Statesboro, Georgia, changes, whether of funding from the National at least five categories and and a flurry of gigs for the life going on in Birmingham. and now domiciled in caused by modifications Lottery Heritage Fund on being twice nominated as trio starting last summer Cambridge, England, in COVID restrictions or behalf of The Jazz Centre UK. BBC Jazz Musician of the which were stopped short BILLY THOMPSON TRIO Brooks Williams was playing year. One of the highlights by COVID. As well as taking any other other factors. Billy Thompson is a Americana even before it ABI K & THE SWING PIGS of 2020’s small-scale part in Ronnie Scott’s However, the Festival classically trained improvising was called that. With 30-plus Abi K is a professional singer, Birmingham Festival was anniversary celebrations will endeavour to inform violinist from North Wales recordings and 30-plus years songwriter, bandleader, and his quintet set with Alex Art played a single gig in festival-goers as soon as who works in a wide variety touring, Brooks has been vocal coach with a passion Clarke streamed from West Norway with Soft Machine possible and to provide of styles. He achieved the recognised as one of the Top for jazz, blues and soul. Bromwich Central Library. before the latest lockdown equivalent replacements. rare distinction of reaching 100 Acoustic Guitarists. He
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makes a more than welcome THE CATFISH KINGS many thousands to win a functions of all sorts, they return to the Birmingham The Catfish Kings serve up place in the semi- finals, base their repertoire on FAIR DEAL MUSIC Fair Deal Music, supplier of equipment to the Festival, is Festival shortly before the a mix of rock’n’roll, boogie but was denied a coveted the great jazz and popular Birmingham’s largest independent music brand. Based at September release of his and rhythm and blues, with place in the grand final. music of the period 1900 79-83 Holloway Head, Fair Deal can also be reached on latest album, Ghost Owl, duos Chuck Berry, Little Richard to 1950, all performed Ceri came back with a debut 0121 643 1685 and online at www.fairdealmusic.co.uk. with fiddler Aaron Catlow. and Jerry Lee Lewis at the with a touch of humour. album called Justified, now centre of their set, with some available on most media CHICKENBONE JOHN great favourites at Henry’s he has established in BRUCE ADAMS jump jive, New Orleans A ferocious player with platforms and she also AND HARMONICA DAVE/ Blueshouse, David Moore Southend, with an impressive rhythm and blues and swing impeccable technique, Bruce began performing locally TONY STOKES graduated from the display of memorabilia, a to help keep the party can also display a surprising with her band, Ceri Justice Chickenbone John, ‘The Birmingham Conservatoire comprehensive archive and moving. Patrons of Henry’s lyricism and melodic gift. A & The Jury, a mixture of Godfather of the Cigar Box in 1999. In 2010 he moved an ever-growing programme Botanical Blueshouse regular at Birmingham, he Americana and blues with a Guitar’, has become a huge to New York where he of events. Digby also has will already have had the has featured on several live hint of country. Her second favourite at the festival in worked in a number of a fine track record as jazz chance to hear the Catfish recordings from the festival, album, as yet untitled, is recent years, with highly styles of music. Now back writer, broadcaster, archivist Kings in one of the band’s with the likes of Django’s due out in July of this year. successful workshop/ in Birmingham, he takes a and bandleader – his Half first post-lockdown gigs. Castle and the great Kenny concerts demonstrating fresh and original approach Dozen has been one of the Baker. Most recently, Bruce CHASE JAZZMEN how to make and play to blues, rock and soul. most popular of British small CERI JUSTICE AND Based in the Shropshire groups for many years. has been working with 3-string cigar box guitars. THE JURY area, the Chase Jazzmen DEBORAH ROSE/ Craig Milverton on a project Ceri Justice is a singer- In performance he is joined are made up of talented MARTIN RILEY EAGLE JAZZ BAND celebrating the great cornet songwriter from Solihull by his regular associate, musicians experienced Welsh-born singer/ The Eagle Jazz Band is and piano players. After delays who began writing poetry Harmonica Dave or, on some in the field of popular songwriter/guitarist Deborah one of the great names in caused by the coronavirus and songs as a teenager. gigs, Tony Stokes of the traditional jazz. Regulars Rose straddles jazz, folk and Birmingham jazz, with a pandemic, the album should In the 1990s she entered a Red Lion Blues Band and at the Trumpet, Bilston, Americana, with more than history stretching back to be complete in August. nationwide singer/songwriter the Crossroads Blues Club, and much in demand for a touch of Celtic influence. 1951. Now led by reedman competition and beat in reviving the authentic sounds of early blues. Her voice, frequently praised Matt Palmer, the band for its purity and emotional operated under the name STREAMING FROM SANDWELL CHRIS BOWDEN quality, was described by folk The Millennium Eagle Jazz The support of Sandwell Council in recent years has been crucial, with the many events Having first made a mark legend Judy Collins as “one Band for some time, but has in the borough’s libraries and museums a particular joy. In the truncated 2020 Festival with K-Creative in the acid of the finest I’ve heard.” Back now restored the much- Sandwell’s libraries, though not open to the public, hosted two outstanding concerts by jazz boom of the early 1990s, in 2013, her debut album, loved traditional name. With the Alan Barnes/Alex Clarke Quintet and the Bruce Adams Quartet which were available on saxist Chris Bowden went on Song Be My Soul, featured a recent CD out, Memories, stream in Birmingham venues as well as on Youtube where both concerts are still available. to record the highly original orchestrations by classical the band mainly homes in Time Capsule in 1996, composer/pianist Martin on classic jazz material and So successful was the experiment that four performances will be streamed from featuring his arrangements Riley, an association that has the songs of the 1920s Sandwell libraries this year: with a live audience from Wednesbury Library (Wednesday for 12-piece band. As a continued in their immediately to 1940s, but, with many 21st) and West Bromwich Central Library (Saturday 24th), streamed without an performer, Chris also has a post-lockdown concerts. multi-instrumentalists in audience from Blackheath Library (Friday 16th) and Thimblemill Library (Friday 23rd). highly individual style and he the band, their sound and
The Friday performances feature American guitar wizard Brooks Williams (16th) is equally at home in a variety DIGBY FAIRWEATHER approach are flexible. Digby Fairweather has been and Festival favourite, song stylist Roy Forbes (23rd). Audiences are allowed in at of genres: acoustic jazz, a great influence for good on Wednesbury for twice BBC Young Jazz Musician finalist Billy Thompson with his trio hip hop, drum and bass. EMMA JONSON the British jazz scene, not just and at the Central Library for another fine gypsy jazz group, La Bouche Manouche. Emma is a rapidly up and DAVID MOORE for his distinctively melodic coming, award winning trumpet style. Currently For information on this year’s live streams BLUES BAND blues pianist from the his main preoccupation is and to watch our archive from 2020, head to Leading an exciting blues Midlands having already the Jazz Centre UK which www.birminghamjazzfestival.com/streams band that is one of the supported some of the
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UK’s top acts including a programme that ranges album Love...and other JOE NETHERCOAT Jamie Cullum, Heather from Dixieland jazz to the Tragedies in April 2019 at a The Shufflepack's guitarist SUPPORTING THE FESTIVAL The Birmingham, Sandwell and Westside Festival has Small and Roy Wood and great popular songs of sell-out launch in Worcester Joe Nethercoat's style always prided itself on bringing real music properly played recently was personally the 20s, 30s and 40s. followed by another 50 has been memorably to people in this region without asking an admission invited to join Walter Trout gigs around the Midlands described as 'pick-your-King price in return. We are forever grateful to the many onstage at Birmingham Town FLORENCE JOELLE promoting the album guitar'. In Blues Talkin' he Get ready for the chanteuse organisations that help to support the Festival, but we still Hall. Emma is not only an before being halted by the recounts his life in the blues Time Out called ‘super need to generate more income to secure the future of the accomplished songwriter, pandemic. They have spent in company with singer/ fine and sassy…fusing a Festival. Hence, in recent years, our very successful raffle. having had tracks selected the last 12 months writing a harmonica wizard Stuart Tarantino sense of cool, with However, for various reasons, not least the wish to avoid for BBC radio, but is widely whole batch of new songs Maxwell who just happens a vocal style that imbibes one-to-one contact, we are unable to run a raffle in 2021. known for giving the piano ready for the recording to be the guy who came both Peggy Lee and Edith some welly! Emma’s studio in the coming year. up with that description! energetic performance and Piaf.’ Don’t think you can So we are more than grateful for the generosity of the charismatic rapport with her get a better endorsement JAKE LEG JUG BAND JOHN HEMMING AND following supporters of the Jazz Festival who have band and audiences have than that, but we’ll try! The Jake Leg Jug Band THE JAZZ LOBBYISTS made valuable contributions to secure our future: made her one of the must brings you the authentic Once again the Birmingham With the stylings of Nick • Bob Pringle • Kathleen Hyde see acts of this year. With sounds of 1920s and 1930s Jazz Festival presents Tomalin on piano and organ • Chico White • Patti Horsnell a brand new album release America – jazz, blues, gospel, the acceptable face of and Ian Marcus holding (Dance With Me Henry) • Qi Huang and UK tour, this is an artist ragtime – songs of murder, politics. Away from political it down on double bass, • David Green • Rob Boler not to be missed in 2021! betrayal, gambling, liquor campaigning, former MP bringing the Latin and • Essop Hajat • Robert Langford and redemption. After a year John Hemming is a jazz Bossa flair, Joelle is free • Frank Simpson • Stan Lewis EUREKA JAZZ BAND of frustration, with over 50 enthusiast, a Festival Board to express all her musical • Jeanette Smith • Steve Parlett & Yvonne Wright Birmingham-based gigs cancelled, the band member and a polished passions and talents. • John James • Tom Palmer traditional jazz band, the is looking forward to being pianist who can be relied on Eureka Jazz Band adopts able finally to perform live to bring a first-class band With the continuing existence of the Festival in mind, a flexible approach, suiting FOREGATE STREET the tracks from their latest to the festival. The always could you please consider making a donation at the music to the occasion. BLUES BAND album, Goodbye Booze, The Foregate Street Blues popular Jazz Lobbyists are www.birminghamjazzfestival.com/ donate or by Only the entertainment released the week after their Band released their latest now regular festival favourites. phoning 0121 454 7020? value remains constant in last gig before lockdown. JUDY BLU AND in the band are highly has played alongside the JAMES OLIVER BAND ASHLEY ALLEN experienced, in-demand likes of Larry Coryell, Martin HENRY’S BLUESHOUSE AT THE BULLS HEAD As Bill Kirchen said, ‘James Soulful singer Judy Blu has performers who have Taylor and Dennis Rollins. In recent years The Bulls Head in Bishopsgate Street Oliver is the real deal, a been a popular performer played in many prestigious He has made six solo guitar has become an essential venue for jazz and, especially, passionate roots rocker at the Birmingham for venues such as the Royal albums and a series of blues. Each week until lockdown forced its closure Henry’s loaded with guitar firepower.’ some years as well as at Albert Hall, the Barbican guitar videos, with his next Blueshouse operated under the slogan Tuesdays is From 2012, first with GLAS other festivals such as Centre, the Southbank album, Night Train Part II, Bluesdays! During the pared-down 2020 Festival Henry’s and now with the three-piece Nantwich, Lichfield and Centre, the Royal Festival scheduled for this year. made its mark with special events comprising blues films, James Oliver Band, he has Newcastle-under-Lyme. Hall and Ronnie Scott's. record sessions and talks. In addition The Bulls Head built a formidable reputation This year she teams up Lee appears in a duo with screened live streamings of concerts and operated as the in Wales and far beyond, with keyboardist Ashley LEE JONES AND bassist Tom Clarke-Hill. Festival Information Point. so much so that last year Allen, a rising figure on the TOM CLARKE-HILL he was awarded the title of Lee Jones is a British jazz- THE LOST NOTES Now the good news is that Henry’s Blueshouse returns in Birmingham jazz and gospel Best Blues Emerging Artist. rock guitarist who is making The Lost Notes are a five- its original live form every Tuesday from June 20th and the scene, in a dynamic duo. Last year he also released his first appearance at the piece acoustic roots band re-launch is celebrated with Henry’s Bluesday at the Festival. the acclaimed CD, Twang, Festival. Stylistically capable from Moseley specialising in The following Tuesday Stuart Maxwell and the other members LA BOUCHE MANOUCHE made up of originals, on Featuring Irene Serra on of taking in modern jazz, their own original material. of The Shufflepack present seven hours of history, blues talk The Last Music Co. vocals, all the musicians fusion, blues and rock, he The band’s most recent and great music from 1500.
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album, the splendidly In demand as teacher and player Stuart Maxwell is raucous, joyful spirit titled Low Lifes and High session musician, Lucy is the joined in duo format by celebrates the exciting FESTIVAL INFORMATION POINT Times, prompted some daughter of the late Julian Derek White, Britain's best and vibrant music of New In the October 2020 Festival, when circumstances head-turning comparisons. Piper, a legendary figure in loved blues bassman, Orleans. Expect roaring and arrangements changed by the day, the Bulls Head Rocking Magpie opined, the South West and beyond also from Shufflepack. brass, uplifting vocals, in Bishopsgate Street was invaluable as the Jazz ‘Fits in amongst peers Lucy herself has played foot-stomping drum beats, Festival Information Point. Hopefully the situation will like Fleet Foxes, Fairport at such major festivals as THE NITECRAWLERS and nostalgic 20th-century be less volatile this year, but this remains an important Convention and Crosby, the Juke Joint Festival in Stalwarts of Henry’s repertoire played with resource, a City Centre location where punters can Stills, Nash and Young.’ Clarksdale, Mississippi, the Blueshouse and regulars exciting new 21st-century pick up programmes and the latest information. Notodden Blues Festival in at such blues festivals energy. The band is led by LUCY PIPER Norway and the Freiburg as Upton-on-Severn and up-and-coming songstress and shared a stage with in the likes of Stevie Ray Top blues drummer Lucy Blues Festival in Germany. Newcastle-under-Lyme, and multi-instrumentalist George Harrison. His Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix, Piper is appearing with the the Nitecrawlers aim to re- Louise Balkwill, named by current dynamic group, the as ‘blues and roll’. Back in Sam Kennedy Band and also MARTIN LITTON create the sheer enjoyment multi-award-winning singer In Crowd, was formed in action with a June gig in talking about her experiences AND JANICE DAY of the original R&B clubs of Liane Carroll as a singer 2013 to create a potent mix Teignmouth, the band is also with the blues in Blues Talkin’. Martin Litton is a brilliant the 60s. With a lifetime of to listen out for. Come and of classic American rhythm lined up for an All Day Festival and versatile pianist with experience between them, move to the beat of the and blues with Jamaican as a Memorial to West a remarkable sense of the four band members have streets of New Orleans! genres bluebeat, ska and Country blues legend, Julian WESTSIDE BID historical context in jazz. appeared with some of the reggae. The band currently Piper, in Exeter in October. Westside BID, centred The names of two of his biggest names in the music PHIL SAYER AND TASH also present A Night at the on Broad Street, has groups, his Gramercy Five business – and now they BUXTON-LEWIS Flamingo which re-creates SHEILA WATERFIELD been a crucial element and his Red Hot Peppers, concentrate on serving up A Jam House favourite with the world of the iconic Working in all musical in the Festival’s success show his delight in the archetypal hard-driving, foot- his Born to Boogie Band, Soho venue of the 1960s. settings from duo to in recent years, both in great jazz of the past and tapping Chicago blues – no- Phil Sayer is a boogie and 17-piece big band, Sheila generous financial support he is an acknowledged nonsense authentic blues. rhythm and blues pianist, ROY FORBES Waterfield’s sound is a and the number of bars, expert of ragtime and playing energetic and upbeat Song stylist Roy Forbes’ unique blend of jazz, folk, pubs and restaurants stride. First making an OLD BABY MACKEREL boogie woogie with a hint vocal style is, as Jazz UK soul, Latin and blues, giving their whole-hearted impact with Kenny Ball’s Old Baby Mackerel are a UK of funk, soul and ska. Phil expressed it, ‘infused with described by Ron Bailey participation. Such is Band in the 1980s, he is band who play traditional is joined by drummer Tash the warmth of his own of Jazz Live as ‘a beautiful, the extent of Westside’s now in demand for festivals bluegrass songs as they Buxton-Lewis of the Steve personality.’ His dynamic warm, expressive voice’. Her participation that their and all-star groups in the should be played, with a King Big Band and Dino and soulful treatments third studio album, Every name was added to the UK and internationally. twist of British wit on the Baptiste and Night Train. of the Great American Sunrise, featuring some Festival title two years side. Expect tales of love, Songbook have brought of the finest musicians on ago. As always a stroll His wife and musical partner, murder, whisky and railroads THE QUIET MEN him acclaim at international the jazz scene, showcases down Broad Street in Janice Day, specialises in alongside blistering solos Returning to the Festival are festivals as far afield as Sheila’s talents as writer, the afternoon or evening authentic performances of and harmonies so sweet The Quiet Men, the excellent Milan and St. Lucia, as well producer and arranger is accompanied by the the finest songs of the inter- they could make an onion trio of Colin Browne, Dan as continuing popularity in as well as singer. sound of jazz and blues, war years, commemorating cry! The project is a coming Machin and Roy Adams his native Birmingham. His with events, in many a great age of female together of respected in a classy set of covers impeccable song stylings THE SHUFFLEPACK cases more than one, singers. Together they have musicians from the UK and original material. are a regular, much admired Led by singer/harmonica at the Brasshouse, the presented stage shows with a classic line-up of feature of the festival. player Stuart Maxwell, the Bull’s Head, O’Neills, the such as Dance Band Divas banjo, guitar, double bass, RICKY COOL & Shufflepack plays groovy Velvet Music Rooms, and Fats Waller in Love. fiddle and mandolin. THE IN CROWD SAM KENNEDY BAND shuffling blues in the classic the Cosy Club, Lee One of the most entertaining This Devon-based blues trio, style, from Chicago to the Longlands, the Hilton MAXWELL & WHITE THE OLD JELLY ROLLERS front men in the business, including one of the country’s West Coast. The music of Garden Inn and Central Shufflepack's dynamic The Old Jelly Rollers are a Ricky Cool has toured with top blues drummers in Lucy Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Square, Brindleyplace. singer and harmonica musical collective whose the likes of Billy Connolly Piper, labels its music, rooted Sonny Boy Williamson, the
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Kings and all the rest, plus commentator and latterly participation events, the 1950s. Fine melodies plenty of original material, blogger. However, he including the highly mix with a sound that keeps VOLUNTEERS WANTED guarantees a stomping, identifies most strongly as successful dance classes on the sunny side of life! The Festival depends on the volunteer army whose foot-tapping session. a swinging, straightahead by Strictly Jitterbug. Strictly efforts enable the event to function properly. tenor saxophonist, capable Jitterbug have been teaching In the last year Billie Volunteers are already at work in the Festival Office SIMON SPILLETT of taking his audiences a mixture of East Coast and the band have kept and around the area, but many more are needed Over his 25 year career on a roller-coaster ride Swing and Charleston for themselves busy by writing and it is certainly not too late to come on board! Simon Spillett has worn encompassing everything over 10 years, including two and rehearsing new material almost as many hats as from energetic bebop to years as a resident dance which they look forward We are looking for: it is possible to wear in heartfelt balladry. This year teachers at Birmingham’s showcasing alongside all the • Drivers • Marketing jazz: multi-award winning he plans to mark his 25th Waterworks Jazz Club, traditional familiar standards • Technical staff • PR instrumentalist, leader of anniversary as a professional and were much missed in that we love to play. • Distribution • Administration an acclaimed big band, musician with a new band, 2020’s more limited festival.
author, historian, record a new book and a much TIPITINA Call Sarah on 0121 454 7020 Tipitina’s unique take on the producer, archivist, magazine awaited fourth album. STUART MAXWELL: or email [email protected] columnist, social media HARMONICA WORKSHOP blues, barrelhouse, boogie SPATS LANGHAM’S Stuart Maxwell, as well and gospel of New Orleans HOT FINGERS as leading the blues owes much to the music style is captured on the Big the return after lockdown of PHOTOGRAPHY Spats Langham, singer, band the Shufflepack, is of Professor Longhair, Dr. Bear CD, Bottle Up and Julian Cockshott of Ukulele PROJECT guitarist, banjo player, an authority on all things John, James Booker, Fats Go, of which blues authority Rocks. No Birmingham Thanks to the generous all-round entertainer and blues. He writes widely on Domino and Allen Toussaint, Stuart Maxwell wrote: Jazz Festival would be sponsorship of Calthorpe repository of old songs both the subject and his book, and still more to the powerful truly complete without a
Estates, the Festival lewd and lovely, is joined Starting Blues Harmonica, vocals of Debbie Jones and XHOSA COLE gathering of happy amateurs The latest star saxophonist Photography Project by multi-instrumentalists has been widely re-printed, Justine Randall’s mastery strumming away under to emerge from Birmingham, has built up a wonderful Danny Blyth and Malcolm with an accompanying CD. of New Orleans piano. With Julian’s vigorous, but kindly, Handsworth-born tenor portfolio of images over Sked in Hot Fingers. Neatly Stuart’s workshop should be two acclaimed Big Bear leadership. Once again he is saxist Xhosa Cole took the the years, to be displayed described as ‘vintage unmissable for the aspiring CDs behind them, Tipitina running informal workshops jazz world by storm when he in many exhibitions at acoustic string music’, Hot blues harmonica player. regularly excite and charm for all levels of ability from won the 2018 BBC Young Grand Central or Sandwell Fingers’ brand of musical audiences at the Birmingham absolute beginners upwards. Jazz Musician of the Year Libraries and on many entertainment is ageless, if SUZI WOODS Festival where they recorded competition. Since then striking photofilms. The hardly new. Generally one Suzi Woods’ repertoire a live album in 2011. THE RHYTHM SECTIONS: he has continued to build Piano: Craig Milverton, John Festival’s photographer- of the busiest live groups is an engaging mix of an impressive reputation Patrick, Tim Huskisson at-large has always been around, Hot Fingers have American Songbook greats THE WHISKEY BROTHERS with his dynamic playing. Double bass: Bill Merlin Daleman who pretty much taken an and modern classics. Her Fast becoming festival Coleman, Tom Clarke-Hill has picked up many unwelcome sabbatical in sophisticated style has favourites at Birmingham, awards in his native brought her music to an Big Bear recording artists YOU’RE NEVER Drums: Garry Allcock, the last year, but in recent Netherlands, but a body international audience, the Whiskey Brothers are ALONE WITH A UKE! Malcolm Garrett, Miles Levin years have worked on a The Great Ukulele Revival of outstanding British with shows for Valentino in Richard Heath on vocals and show describing the origin continues! Putting smiles photographers have Rome and Princess Grace mandolin and Gerry Smith and history of acoustic back on the faces of ukulele involved themselves in the of Monaco in Monte Carlo. on piano. In the mid-1990s blues and a project called enthusiasts of all ages is Festival, too, so, whatever The Banned Plays On. the formed the Splinter the rulings currently SWING CAFÉ Blues Band, but since 2012 in place around travel STRICTLY JITTERBUG Led by popular Midlands they have worked as a duo, GENESIS RADIO from the Netherlands, Hopefully the easing of singer Billie Baker, Swing playing their favourite style Genesis Radio will be broadcasting daily jazz news and we can look forward to social distancing will allow Café is a swing and jazz band of music, old-style acoustic updates between 1pm and 3pm throughout the entirety superb results from the the Festival to resume its playing the best loved songs blues combined with their of the festival.Be sure to tune in online at Photography Project. always popular audience of an era from the 1920s to own material. Their unique https://www.genesisradiobirmingham.com/
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